In a virtual replay of the Davona Dale, R Heat Lightning rolled to a facile victory in Saturday’s Gulfstream Oaks.

Content to sit in 4th under John Velazquez, R Heat Lightning stalked fractions of :23.06, :46.32, and 1:10.97. She crept closer on the outside and was in total command after a mile in 1:36.50. She opened up under a hand ride and completed her nine furlong journey in 1:49.27.

Island School crossed the line in 2nd and was followed by Salary Drive and a disappointing It’s Tricky. The strung out field was completed by Kindersley, Triune, and Beso Grande (eased).

The Gulfstream Oaks was the 5th winner on the day for Todd Pletcher and the fourth for John Velazquez. E Paul Robsham Stables owns the talented 3-year-old daughter of Trippi.

The $1 million, Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks is less than five weeks away and R Heat Lightning is strictly the one to beat in that lucrative event.

Track played fair, was part of a hot pace and drew away. No question about her ability to get the distance and put two top races together. Very impressive! Island School looked good in defeat. Will move forward in the Oaks.